Reaction Container Control System for Nucleic Acid Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for nucleic acid amplification and measurement are labor-intensive, prone to contamination, and require complex and costly equipment, limiting their scalability and accessibility for clinical use.
Innovation Solution
An automated device with a measurement mount and transfer mechanism that allows for simultaneous optical connection with multiple reaction containers, reducing user labor and preventing contamination through precise temperature control and condensation prevention, while using modular and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices (dispenser, centrifuge, magnetic force device, temperature controller, sealing device, light measurement device) are used for nucleic acid amplification processing, then the functionality and processing capability are improved, but the device scale and work area expand significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate devices (dispenser, centrifuge, magnetic force device, temperature controller, sealing device, and light measurement device) into a single integrated automated system. This merging allows the system to perform nucleic acid amplification processing with enhanced functionality while reducing the overall work area required, as all components operate within a unified platform rather than requiring separate spaces for each device.
2Device complexity
If a single light measurement device is manually moved to multiple reaction containers, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement precision decreases due to subtle displacements and relative motions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical movement of the light measurement device with an automated positioning system. The automated system precisely moves the light measurement device to each reaction container's aperture without subtle displacements or relative motions, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while reducing the complexity of manual operation. The system controls the positioning automatically, eliminating human error in alignment.
3Productivity
If multiple separate devices are combined for automated processing, then labor burden is reduced and productivity is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the automated system with multi-functional components that can perform multiple operations. For example, the system integrates dispensing, centrifugation, magnetic separation, temperature control, sealing, and light measurement capabilities into a single platform. This universality allows the system to handle multiple processing tasks without requiring proportionally more complex individual components, thereby improving productivity while controlling overall device complexity.
4Device complexity
If manual sealing of reaction containers is performed, then the device complexity is reduced, but contamination risk increases and operation time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated sealing device that performs sealing operations without manual intervention. The system automatically seals reaction containers after nucleic acid amplification processing, reducing the risk of contamination from manual handling. The automated sealing mechanism operates within the controlled environment of the system, preventing external contaminants from entering the containers while minimizing operation time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables high-accuracy, efficient, and reliable nucleic acid amplification and measurement with reduced equipment complexity and cost, facilitating broader clinical applications and genetic analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature controller that, with respect to the reaction container having a lower side wall section of the reaction container and an upper side wall section positioned on an upper side of the lower side wall section, has a temperature source provided such that it is able to make contact with or approach the lower side wall section, and that performs temperature control within the reaction container
Implementation Method 2
a heating portion that is provided such that it is able to make contact with or approach the upper side wall section, and that has a heat source that is able to heat the upper side wall section
Implementation Method 3
the heating portion is controlled so that the condensation on the member for light measurement mounted on the aperture of the reaction container is prevented
Implementation Method 4
an automatic response/light measurement device... that is able to receive light based on an optical state within the reaction containers via the measuring end
Data Source
AI summary
A reaction container control system including a reaction container, a sealing lid, a temperature control block, and a heater. The reaction container includes a lower side wall section, an upper side wall section, and an aperture. The sealing lid seals the reaction container by fitting to the aperture of the reaction container. When the sealing lid is fitted to the aperture, light based on an optical state within the reaction container is receivable by a measuring device via the sealing lid. The temperature control block contacts or extends adjacent the lower side wall section, and includes a temperature source operable to increase or decrease a temperature inside the reaction container. The heater contacts or extends adjacent the upper side wall section, and includes a heat source operable to heat the reaction container to prevent condensation on the sealing lid fitted to the aperture.